Handbook to improve societal disaster resilience: BuildERS project findings

Build-ERS project (2019-2022) has developed knowledge and insights to improve resili-ence in society. This has been done, in particular, focusing on the ability and capacity of the most vulnerable to be prepared and respond to disasters. Improving and supporting their capacity to act will develop society as a whole to be prepared and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Thus, the societal resilience of European communities will increase.

In the BuildERS project, it has become clear that the concept of vulnerability is not straightforward; it changes depending on the situation and is dynamic in its nature. Anyone can be vulnerable at a certain point of time and place. However, there are people who have a higher or very high risk of being vulnerable in certain situations. A range of practical solutions have been developed to support disaster management actors in assessing vulnerabilities and supporting vulnerable people, and improving the resilience of society against crises. These tools and guidelines help to assess different aspects of vulnerability, build new knowledge, or establish various forms of collaboration.

A wide range of policy recommendations have been made to reduce vulnerability, build social capital, and raise risk awareness of the European population. Based on the research results and findings, the policy recommendations include key actions and new ways of working towards a more resilient society. BuildERS Policy recommendations include several key actions for both authorities and practitioners on different levels: EU, national and local. These together with the tools and guidelines developed provide guidance on what to do and how to act to help preparedness and respond to disasters.